Akali blinked slowly, turning her head away from the window as the rising sun beamed across her face. Images of last night flashed across her mind. Surely, it was just a dream? She thought to herself. She could almost feel the touch of Kai's lips as she closed her eyes.
She went to sit up but could feel something heavy on her chest, keeping her on the bed. Her brow narrowed in confusion before letting her gaze wander down.
Kai'sa had fallen asleep alongside Akali again, but this time, she managed to roll over, her head laying over her chest, her arm draped across her waist. Her mouth was partly open. She could hear the soft breaths escape Kai's lips.
It wasn't a dream! So she thought to herself, eyes darting up to the ceiling above her.
Akali didn't know what to do. What if she had to get up and make breakfast? Go to the bathroom? She couldn't move, though. If she moved, she'd wake up Kai. Kai needs her rest. After all, she needs energy for herself and everyone else she tries to help—Akali's mind raced as she stared at the ceiling.
Akali tried to adjust her arm a bit as it rested around the back of Kai's shoulders but froze as soon as she felt Kai begin to stir.
Crap
She thought, going entirely still as Kai'sa nuzzled her head against Akali's collarbone.
I can't move.
Then Akali heard some muffled squeaks off to her right, and she turned to see Umi and Ina giggling as they watched over the two girls. Akali wanted to yell at or shoo them away, but she was trapped. There was no escape from this prison.
She looked back down at Kai and could not help but smile. But... Maybe this prison isn't so bad. She thought. Akali lifted her hand and began to let her fingers comb gently through the pink locks of Kai's hair. No monsters, no Star Guardians, homework, or scornful mother. She looked so peaceful, with no stress or worries about saving the world. This was the life Akali wanted the life she would fight to have with Kai one day, no matter how long it took.
"Mmm..." Kai hummed as she began to wake from her deep sleep. She was a bit confused at first about where she was, her head lifting off Akali's chest as she looked around until her half-lid eyes met hers.
"Mornin', sleepy head." Akali said with her lopsided smirk. Her blue hair was not tied up in its usual ponytail but was splayed across her shoulders and over the pillow behind her. It was an unusual sight. But it was one that only Kai really ever got to see.
It took a few moments, but eventually, the previous night's events returned to mind, and then let herself relax once more, "Good morning, 'Kali..." she trailed off, a bit embarrassed about how she ended up clung to Akali sometime during the night.
Akali was equally as flustered as to how they ended up like this, but they were both entirely content with it as well.
Thankfully, it was a Saturday, so there was no school to go to. So the only responsibility to uphold was their training later in the day. It's been a few days, so Akali was not feeling too fussy about it as the thought crossed her mind.
"Kali... I promised dad I'd help clean some of the kennels today at the shelter... Around noon." she said softly, not lifting her head from Akali's chest. "I don't know how long it will be... But is that okay? Are you going to be alright? I can totally stay... I want you to be okay..." Kai said softly, letting her hand twirl around a few stray strands of blue hair strewn across the bed.
Akali thought on the matter, but the fact Kai had offered to stay was enough to comfort her, but she did not want to burden Kai anymore than she had already.
"I'll be fine. I'll go to the Arcade or something." she answered before turning her gaze towards Kai, "Do you really think your dad's gonna let me stay a few nights? You know... Until... She gets back."
Kai'sa lifted her head off Akali's chest and laid beside her, smiling warmly, "I'm sure... I'll make sure." Kai reassured her as she wrapped her fingers around Akali's hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. Before climbing out of bed.
Kai was wearing one of Akali's shirts, a loose blue t-shirt, and a pair of her black pajama pants that were covered in blue & pink stars. They were a bit small for her, but thankfully Akali liked wearing baggy clothes at home as she relaxed.
Akali watched as Kai stretched, standing in front of the bedroom window. The thought of a life where it was just the two of them living together, waking up early to surprise Kai with breakfast in bed, drifted into her mind. Maybe one day..
"I'm going to just go to the bathroom to change... I'll meet you by the door when you're ready to go." she said as she collected her clothes from yesterday, then walked out and down the hall.
Akali closed her eyes, exhaling deeply.
They kissed last night... She didn't just kiss Kai either. Kai kissed her back... "Are we dating now?" she whispered to herself, and Umi let out a confused chirp atop her computer desk in response. It was a warming feeling to know Kai felt the same about her, but... What did it mean? Did she do it just to make her feel better? Did she really mean it?
Akali shook her head; she hated how she always let herself think so negatively about everything, "Ugh..." she grunted before getting out of bed and getting dressed.
Akali went down the hall, tying her hair into its usual over-the-top ponytail before spotting Kai. She was down on her knees on the floor by the kitchen, picking up the broken pieces of Akali's science project. She was trying to fix what she could.
"Kai... You don't have to clean that up." Akali complained before moving over to kneel beside her. She picked up one of the stars. It was a replica of their guardian gems, not that anyone else would ever know what it was. It was Kai's idea, she made the pink half, and Akali made the blue. Akali was thankful that this was one of the few pieces that did not get destroyed. Akali quickly tucked it away in her pocket.
"You worked so hard on this, 'Kali... I couldn't just stare at it..." she answered as she looked to Akali, her eyes filled with sorrow, "We'll fix it up together." she said further, her melancholic expression brightening just a little.
Not only had Kai been there for her as she put this together, but she was also there for the presentation. She was there when she got her grade, through the rough and good times. Kai was also here when it was dark, and now she is here to help her put everything back together.
Akali didn't say anything back to Kai. Instead, she just reached over and hugged her tightly, arms wrapping around her shoulders as tears flooded her eyes. Not from sadness or pain, but happiness. She knew she'd never be alone again.
Once they had finished picking everything up, the two made their way out. The mall was in the opposite direction of Kai's house, but Akali was insistent on walking her home. Akali wasn't really sure how to act now, her mind still overanalyzing the kiss from last night. So many questions on her mind, but she didn't want to make Kai uncomfortable. She kept casting sideways glances at her every minute or so. She wasn't as discreet as she thought however, Kai had seen each and every look.
As they reached Kai's house, standing on the sidewalk, Kai finally spoke up, "What is it, 'Kali? You've clearly had something on your mind the whole way here. Just say it..." Kai pleaded.
"I..." Akali didn't know how to put what she was feeling into words. How she could say it in a way that was not awkward, "I don't know... Just... Last night, was that... Was that real?" Akali asked as she stared at the ground, slowly looking up to meet Kai's pink hues. She searched them as if they held the answer to her question before Kai could even speak.
"What do you mean?" Kai asked, confused by the question.
"When you kissed me... Did you mean it?" Akali's heart was racing. She felt so stupid for asking. Part of her knew it was real, but a large part of her said otherwise. Perhaps it was her mother's voice in her head, or the darkness still held that spot in her heart.
Kai frowned, breaking eye contact. Akali's heart began to sink, all her doubts screaming at her in her mind.
See? She just feels bad for you. She'll never love you.
But then she felt the touch of Kai's hand against her own, pulling her close. Akali stared at Kai in surprise, until their lips met once more. She could feel Kai's other hand press against the side of her cheek before slipping around to the back of her neck. The voices in her head faded away, and the worry in her heart was replaced with joy.
Kai'Sa could feel her own heart racing as well. It was not just Akali who had held these feelings in for so long. She was hindered by the fear of ruining what they had, but those fears were gone for her now. And she would make sure that those fears disappeared from Akali's heart and mind as well.
Eventually, Kai pulled her head back, smiling as she opened her eyes. Akali's cheeks were bright red, but her little lopsided smirk slowly formed on her lips.
"Noodle Bills after I'm out, okay? I'll text you." Kai said as she let her hand slip out of Akali's.
"You betcha..." Akali answered. She'd then turn to leave but widened her eyes as she glanced towards Akali's house.
There was Kassadin, watching.
"Kai..." she whispered, and Kai quickly looked towards the door, her cheeks growing beat red.
Akali looked back to Kai'Sa and couldn't help but laugh, "See you later!" she shouted before turning to run off down the sidewalk, leaving Kai to explain it all to her dad.
"AKALI!" Kai shouted after her, but Akali was already long gone down the sidewalk. Kai sighed and slowly walked down the path to her house. Kassadin just had a smug look on his face before he finally spoke.
"It's about time, Kai."
Akali practically skipped down the sidewalk as she made her way to the mall. She felt as though a huge burden had been lifted off her shoulders. Years of suppressed feelings had finally come to light. It was crazy how so much had happened in one year, from nearly losing everything to having almost everything she wanted.
"Hey, 'Kali! Wait up!" a voice shouted towards her, grabbing her attention.
Ekko was skateboarding down the street towards her, waving his hand in the air, "Hey! What's going on!?" he asked as he finally caught up to her and kicked the board up into his hands, "Where's Kai?" he asked, pretty much expecting to see the other whenever he spotted one of them.
"She has to help at the shelter; why? is something happening?" Akali asked, feeling a bit concerned.
"Nah, Nah. But I was heading down to the Arcade. Sona's still sleeping so, yeah. Where are you headed?" Ekko walked alongside her, carrying the skateboard underneath his arm.
"Really? Sick, I was gonna go there too. Guess you're gonna be getting your ass kicked in some more Valorant." she taunted, knowing how bad he was at the game, no matter how much he practiced.
Ekko sighed, then shook his head, "We could play that for a bit... Though, I wanna try and kill the Super Gromp again. I think we can beat it this time."
Akali and Ekko have been going through Super Gromp IV for almost half a year. Never able to get past the Gromp Boss to progress. They've gone through guides and videos. But they never seem to be able to get past it. The past week they haven't even made a single attempt after Akali got rather frustrated at a loss and said she'd never play again. Even though there was a 100$ cash prize to whoever could beat him.
"You know what? Me too." Akali said with a nod, giving Ekko a grin. Her confidence was booming.
"Wait, really? I thought you didn't wanna do it ever again?" Ekko asked in surprise, then gave Akali a suspicious stare.
"I'm feelin' good today. Like nothin' can stop me." Akali answered, feeling like she was on cloud nine.
"Alright, you gotta tell me what's going on. I haven't seen you like this since... Well, the festival." now, his suspicions grew even more, especially when he noticed the blush on Akali's cheeks.
"Wait, wait... Did you. No way! You did, didn't you!? You told her!?" Ekko seemed far more excited about this than he should be, at least so Akali thought. He'd then give her a nudge with his elbow, "Judging by your reaction, I guess I was right, huh?"
Akali just barely turned her head towards Ekko, smiling sheepishly, but she did not say anything.
"Alright, alright. I'll drop it. That's cool, though, 'Kali. Really." he said like a proud parent.
The two continued walking in silence as Ekko was texting back and forth to Sona. Which made Akali wonder how Kai's conversation was going with her dad. Part of her was a bit worried, hoping Kai's dad approved of their relationship and that he wouldn't start giving them more boundaries. So she pulled out her phone and sent a text to Kai.
Akali: Hey, everything ok with kassadad?
She sent the message and then pocketed her phone just as they arrived at the mall. They walked through the automated doors; it was crazy. The place looked brand new.
"You would never have known this place got destroyed by monsters from another universe by the looks of it." Akali muttered as they walked through the hall. Akali paused as she came across "Braum's Suits". A shop that sold all kinds of formal wear, including Tuxedos. There was one on display in the front window she had been eyeing for a while, which caused Akali to stop in her tracks. It was a black tux, with a pink tie and a blue undershirt.
Ekko cracked a grin, bumping up next to Akali, "You gonna ask her?" he questioned, glancing over to Akali.
"What? Prom? No... It's stupid. Plus, Kai wouldn't want to be seen with me in such a public thing like that." she answered, frowning as she turned away from the store to head to the Arcade, "She could probably just go with someone else."
Ekko rolled his eyes, "This is so annoying... You literally know how she feels about you, right? Like, what even happened then? Why are you still so unsure?"
"We kissed..." Akali blurted out, her eyes going wide afterward. She'd then start walking faster as if trying to get away now.
"And you still think she wouldn't want to go- Hey, wait up!" Ekko sped up as well to keep up with her. Even let out an amused laugh.
"Just... Just stop, Ekko. Let's go beat this frog's ass, yeah?" she answered, looking to Ekko with a rather determined glare.
Ekko sighed, he never understood why Akali had such low self-esteem, but he'd nod to her, knowing that Akali would have to figure it out on her own, "Yeah, we got it this time."
Back at Kai's house
Kassadin held the door open, letting Kai'sa inside.
"Dad... What did you mean 'about time'?" she questioned as she walked inside, quickly turning around to face him. She was so embarrassed. And unsure of how he would take it.
"You've always liked her, Kai. Anyone with a brain could see how you two looked at each other. I always wondered how long it would take you to realize that." he answered as he walked in after her, closing the door. "It's fine... You two are good for each other. Without 'Kali, you'd probably have lost your mind with how much stuff you try to take on by yourself." he said as he put a hand on Kai's shoulder, before walking towards a nearby desk.
Kai'sa smiled, "Thanks, Dad... I'm really happy." she answered, following him with her eyes.
"Hah, I can tell. So, ready to get going? The sooner we get this done, the sooner we can get out of there." Kassadin said as he grabbed his car keys and put on his glasses.
"Actually, you know how I stayed over? Well... Akali's mom is leaving for a few days. And like, she's feeling a bit scared being home alone. So do you think she could sleep over for a few days? I could sleep on the couch out here. Just for the weekend!" Kai asked nervously, hugging her arms around herself as she waited for an answer.
Her dad smiled; he could tell how much Akali meant to her and how much she wanted to keep her safe, so he knew there was no way he could say no.
"Of course. We can set up some rules when she comes over. But we really need to get going now. I don't wanna be there super late tonight." he said with a sigh as he walked to the door, but was halted as she felt Kai hug him tightly, coaxing a small laugh from him.
"Thank you, dad... You're the best..." she said as she buried her head into his chest. Thankful she had such an understanding parent, she wished Akali could have the same love back at her own house.
"It's fine, kiddo. Now come on, get changed. I'll wait for you in the car." she gave Kai a few pats on the back before the two let each other go.
As Kai'Sa started headed towards the bedroom, she felt her phone vibrate and pulled it out of her pocket. She smiled as she saw the text from Akali.
Kai'Sa: Perfect, sleepover tonight! Bring a scary movie or something! 3
She sent back, excited for their first night together as a 'couple'.
The Arcade
"JUMP, EKKO JUMP. I'LL SHIELD YOU!" Akali shouted. To the untrained eye, it would appear as though Akali was just mashing the buttons on the machine. But they were all perfectly times moves and attacks. They were getting close, closer than they had ever been to defeating the Gromp. Closer than anyone has ever gotten. They had even drawn a crowd of other Arcade goes behind them, not that either Akali or Ekko had noticed. They were in the zone. Sona had even shown up at this point, watching from the back of the crowd, Sona's familiar Chiizu floating above her anxiously watching as well.
"Jumping! Hit me!" he shouted, his body and head moving in unison with his character on the screen. He lifted his hand and wiped a bead of sweat from his brow.
5% Hp left.
"We gotta combo. Circle back around to me." Akali ordered, her face nearly pressed against the glass of the screen.
"If he hits one of us, we both die, though 'Kali." Ekko countered, hesitating.
"If we don't finish this soon, the next wave of minions will spawn. We're not gonna survive that. It's all or nothing. Hurry!" Akali said, looking over at him for just a moment.
"Fine, this better work." he answered as he shook his head, sticking his tongue into his cheek as he dodged a few AOE blasts on his way over to her.
Even the owner of the Arcade was standing behind them now, rooting the two on.
For Akali, beating this boss meant more than just the bragging rights. She had been saving money for a while now, cleaning up at night at Noodle Bills for a few dollars here and there, finding spare change. Anything she could stuff into the little piggie bank she had under her bed. If anyone asked what it was for, it would be for shoes or maybe some video game. But in reality, it was for the Tux she saw in Braum's Suits. For Prom... Despite thinking Kai wouldn't want to go with her. There was that glimmer of hope Kai would ask. So after today, Akali would not go down without a fight.
"Wait... Wait... NOW. Ekko. NOW." she was almost screaming as the two both used their ultimate at the same time as Gromp launched its explosive venom spit attack. Which would kill both of them simultaneously if it landed first. Everyone was tense as they watched. It only took seconds for the attacks to land, but it felt like hours.
BOOM
Akali stood there, staring at the screen in disbelief. Everyone did. They...
They won.
Akali gasped in excitement, "GET SMOKED, BRO!" Akali shouted before turning over to Ekko as they hugged each other. Chiizu was also squeaking with excitement, but thankfully no one else noticed the flying mouse.
She already knew that the split from the prize was going straight into her savings. But it still wouldn't be enough for the suit she wanted, and there were less than two weeks left before the dance. At least this made things quite a bit less dire.
"So, we gonna celebrate?" Ekko asked as he pulled back from Akali while everyone else began to disperse back to their own corners of the Arcade, the owner walking over to the register to gather the reward money.
Akali shook her head, "No... I gotta save it. For. Stuff... And things." she answered before turning towards the cashier's desk.
"Oh? What for?" Ekko already knew the answer. He just enjoyed pushing Akali's buttons every now and then. He'd follow close behind her.
"I never thought anyone was going to beat that damned frog. Seen so many try for over a year, so, good job, kids." the owner of the Arcade said as Akali and Ekko stood in front of the desk. He then slipped out two 50$ bills from the register, handing one to each.
"Ain't no one better than us." Ekko said smugly, "Thanks." he took his share of the prize, then turned towards Akali.
She took her prize money as well. Holding the 50$ bill in both hands, staring at it.
Ekko sighed and handed over his half to Akali, "Here. Take it." he said as he shook his head, trying his best to look disappointed, but he could never hide the amused look in his eyes.
"Wh-what? Why? You earned it just as much as I did." Akali said in confusion, eyeing the money before staring over at Ekko. She needed it, but she couldn't just take his money like that.
"Look, I know you need it... And well, beating that stupid frog was more than enough reward for me. Plus, when Super Gromp V comes out, you can let me have the full hundred next time!" he said with a bright grin, still holding the fifty dollars out to her.
"Uhm... I don't know." Akali chewed her lower lip, glancing off to the side, spotting Sona staring at them with a smile. She'd nod Akali on, "Sh-she says you better take it! Ekko would just spend it on Valorant Skins." Chiizu said on Sona's behalf.
"Hey! That's- True..." he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck as he let out a tiny bit of laughter. He'd then extend his arm out fully towards her, "Come on, 'Kali. Don't let me blow it on something stupid."
Akali smiled, then reached out to take the other half of the prize, "I'll pay you back, I swear." she answered as Ekko let her take it. Now she just had the build up the courage to actually go buy it... That's if Kai even wants to go with her, so she thought.
"Yeah, you will. You owe me now!" he answered with a mischievous grin before looking over to Sona, "But uh, looks like I gotta go. Sona and I were gonna go down to the park before practice tonight. Are you and Kai gonna be there?"
Akali nodded and then reached into her pocket for her phone, "For sure, we've been letting you guys off easy this week. But time to get back to your routine ass kicking tonight." Akali answered, giving him a sideways glance as she turned towards the exit. That's when she spotted Kai's text from over an hour ago... Damn, she was so caught up in beating that boss she wasn't paying attention to her phone. She quickly opened it, relief washing over her as she read the message. Today felt like it was too good to be true, "Hey, I gotta go, later skater!" she shouted to Ekko, then gave Sona a wave before darting out of the Arcade.
With the money Akali had saved up already, she decided she had enough to stop and get a treat for Kai before showing up at the shelter. So she went to Kai's favorite Cafe to grab some Bubble Tea for the both of them. Nothing could ruin this day for her at this point.
Akali: Look outside, nerd.
Akali texted Kai'sa as she sat on a bench outside the animal shelter, a tray with two cups of bubble tea patiently waiting to be slurped to their content. Then, after waiting a few moments, she could hear her phone buzz.
Kai'Sa : Damn it, Akali. Now I'm gonna get a stomach ache at practice tonight!
Akali: Sorry, not sorry. u almost done?
Kai'Sa: Yes, give me like five minutes.
Akali couldn't wait any longer and decided to pick up her tea and start sipping away, well aware she would regret it as soon as they started their training later. She swayed side to side on the bench outside, slurping from the cup as she awaited Kai to come out. Eventually, she did and rose up to hand Kai's drink over as Kai rushed on over.
"You smell like a wet dog." Akali teased, pulling Kai in close after handing over her tea.
"Rude..." Kai said back, grinning as she leaned into Akali. The two embraced these newly revealed feelings for each other wholeheartedly.
"Are you sure we can't just go back to your place and watch a movie?" Akali said softly, "The smell is fine... Really." Akali earned a pinch on her arm from Kai'sa before pulling Akali tight against her chest, letting her head rest just beneath her chin.
"You know we can't... So not cool of you to make me feel like the bad guy in this..." Kai'Sa then lifted her bubble tea and eagerly sipped away. Kai'Sa exhaled deeply through her nose and closed her eyes. Just enjoying the moment.
"You two have fun. I'll see you when I get home!" Kassadin shouted from the door, giving them both a wave. Then, staring at them with a proud look on his face.
"You got it, Kassadad!" she said as she gave him a wave back, pulling herself away from Kai'Sa, "Right. Let's go before we're late then, yeah?" Akali smirked up at Kai.
They made their way down the usual path they had always taken home, along the sidewalk that bordered the woods on their left. They were quiet for the most part, walking hand in hand, Akali's head rested against Kai's shoulder. Kai'sa took another sip from her cup, then glanced down at Akali from the corner of her eye before speaking.
"So... I was thinking." she began, earning the undivided attention of Akali, who looked over and up to her. Sipping from her straw.
"Prom... I wanted to tell you the dance- " Kai'sa was unable to finish before Akali interrupted her.
"It's dumb, right? I don't even want to go... Too many people." Akali looked down to the ground. She didn't want Kai to feel pressured into going with her. And who cares, right? It's just one stupid school event... She reasoned to herself.
Kai frowned, looking back ahead, "I don't think it's stupid... I'm actually really excited for it..." Kai answered, a bit disappointed in Akali's response. Kai knew she didn't want to go with anyone else... She wanted to share this moment with her, but at the same time, she didn't want to pressure Akali into something she didn't want to do... Little did she know Akali only said she didn't want to for nearly the same reason. Akali sighed as she looked up at Kai, not realizing how Kai felt about the dance.
Akali furrowed her brows, glancing towards the tree line, then quickly pushed Kai'Sa to the side.
"What was that for!?" Kai shouted just before a blast of purple energy crashed into the light post just behind where she was standing, causing it to fall into the street with a vibrant display of sparks. Both Akali and Kai quickly stared at the direction the blast had come from. And out stepped an insect-like creature, purple shell, with wings and blades for arms, radiating dark matter.
Kai'Sa winced, then grabbed her head before suddenly falling to her knees, a voice piercing her skull. "We will descend upon you like the locust."
"Kai... What's... Happening!?" Akali cried out as she began to collapse as well, the same voice filling her own mind, "The cycle cannot be stopped."
Another one of the insect-like monsters appeared almost out of thin air, then another besides that one.
"Kai... I've felt this before... Give me your hand!" she shouted, trying to crawl over to Kai'Sa. Kai did the same, hand outstretched as the group of monsters grew closer and closer. Before they finally lept. Akali's hand grasps Kai's, which was followed by an eruption of light, blasting the creatures backward.
They both were lifted into the air, starlight swirling around them in colors of blue and pink. Their bodies shift into an ethereal state as their transformation begins. Piece by piece, their Guardian attire formed over them before they landed back on their feet. The gems on their chests shone brightly as they stood by each other hand in hand. Ever since their battle with Morgana, their love and friendship breaking her shackles, the two have become even stronger when in each other's presence.
The monsters seemed hesitant now. Perhaps they were not expecting them to recover from whatever was invading their minds so quickly.
"Let's send these monsters back to whatever dumb universe they come from, 'Kai." Akali stated as her mask materialized over her face, her favored Kama and Kunai gripped tightly in her hands as they gleamed with starlight.
Kai nodded, her blasters hovering above each hand, the barrels burning bright with starfire, "You got it, 'Kali."
Akali grunted and rushed forward, twirling her blades in her hands. She had her eyes set on the one that nearly blasted Kai'Sa, "Cover me!" she shouted as another one of the monsters charged her from her left, swinging a serrated arm-blade towards her head. Akali lowered herself, sliding beneath the arm and missing it by inches, before tossing a shuriken at her target's chest, followed by a smoke bomb bursting against the ground by her feet.
Kai rushed off to the right, firing multiple blasts of star-fire at the creature that had tried to flank Akali, knocking it off balance, "Gotcha." she said to herself, coming to a sliding halt before powering up a blast of her own. The locust-like creature was now focused on Kai, and as she fired her blaster toward it, the monster leaped into the air, going invisible, "Crap. They can go invisible Akali. Watch out!"
"So can I!" Akali shouted, her eyes glowing a bright white now, allowing her to see clearly through the smoke, "Mark 'em, Umi!" Akali said as she ran through the cloud before seeing Umi hovering above one of the invisible creatures, "Hah." Akali charged through, blade outstretched as she dashed, watching as purple blood covered her blade and oozed onto the ground behind her, much to Umi's squealing delight. She'd then twirl around on one foot, twirling the Kama in her other hand, so she held it backward, letting the edge rip through the back of the creature's legs, watching it fall to the ground, "Easy."
Kai was standing still, eyes darting around as she waited for the creature to reveal itself. She could feel the hair on the back of her neck stand as it appeared behind her before dashing forward, turning invisible herself. The monster stood there confused before it felt the heat of Kai's Starfire blaster against the back of its head, followed by it being blown to pieces, "You're not the only one with that trick." she said before looking up to see several more of those creatures surrounding her, "Uh, 'Kali! Help!" she shouted, before trying to run away. She glanced over her shoulder, firing blasts of light in their direction to try and keep them at bay.
Akali's head perked up as she heard Kai's cry for help, "Let's go, Umi!" she grunted out, sprinting through the cloud. She then felt a sting across her shin, which then caused her to crash into the cement of the sidewalk, "Crap... What the..." she looked down, blood dripping from her calf, another one of those insects slowly stalking its way towards her, blood dripping from its arm-blade, "Ugh, I don't have time for you!" she shouted, tossing a shuriken towards its face, which it quickly knocked aside, "Fine. Going empty..." she mumbled, her body transforming into dark energy, a silhouette of her usual self, shades of purple and black replacing her skin and her guardian outfit. Her wound was gone, and Akali rose to her feet, an eerie smile plastered on her face.
The locust jumped at her, and Akali jumped forward simultaneously, spinning as she held each of her weapons in a reverse grip, putting the insect through an aerial blender before landing back down on her feet. She'd then quickly look back towards Kai and sprint in her direction.
"Gah!" Kai screamed out, another blade ripping across her side, sending her down into the grass on the other side of the street. The first monster climbed atop her, its blade lifting before it sought to crash down into her chest. Instead, two bursts of light struck it in the face as an angry Ina flew out from the side. Kai then lifted her arm, sending a powerful blase into the locust's chest, blowing a hole clean through it, "Thanks, Ina!" she shouted as she struggled to get back to her feet, the monster falling lifelessly to the side. But where that one fell, five more took its place. Kai'Sa winced. She was not going to die here. Not now, just as everything was coming together with Akali.
Akali burst through the center, blades held in each hand as they aimed outwards, decapitating two of them in a single strike. She was far more powerful in this state, but she always ran the risk of being unable to turn back. Her mind was much more susceptible to falling while she was like this. But all she had to do was look down at her wrist. The blue forget-me-not charm glimmered in the moonlight, always a reminder that she's not alone, that there is someone worth fighting for. Kai was not happy to see her in this state, to say the least, but killing these things was a priority.
Kai'sa sprinted to the right, vanishing from sight, while Akali charged to the left. Starforged steel clashed with the dark matter arm-blade of one of the beasts, the impact erupting in a flash of purple light. The opposite arm of the creature then swept in from the left, aiming to drive its blade into Akali's side. But she was too quick on her feet and leaped into the air. She used the force upon her blade to send her into a spin, causing her to be vertically parallel to the monster, feet up in the air, with her head facing towards the ground. Akali used her Kama to swing downwards and cleave straight through the center of the monster, causing it to split apart and onto the ground before she landed on her feet.
Kai finished her flank, now standing behind one of the last creatures, but it quickly turned on her, swinging its blade horizontally towards her head. Kai leaned back, its blade just cutting a few strands of her pink hair with how close it got. Kai lifted her right hand, blasting pink star fire into its other arm, just where its flesh met with the blade, causing it to go limp. The monster let out a painful screech before swinging back again with its left arm. This time Kai ducked it, using the pointed edge of her blaster to drive it into its chest, letting off another three blasts directly inside its torso, splattering her with dark matter insect guts.
Akali and Kai stood in the carnage that was the aftermath of the fight, covered in blood, both their own and the enemies. When Kai saw a blast of dark energy similar to the one from the start, aimed directly at Akali, "KALI, MOVE!" she shouted, causing Akali to glance to the side, but she was too late. The blast crashed directly into her stomach, knocking her down on her back.
Everything felt like it was in slow motion for Kai'Sa. She couldn't do anything as the bolt traveled through the air, as it pulverized Akali... Finally, she turned towards the last of the creatures, which was now charging Akali, who was down on her back and entirely defenseless. Kai let out an enraged scream. The two floating packs above her shoulders ignited, sending a barrage of Star-fire down on the monster's head, blowing it to pieces. She stood there staring at the creature, breathing heavily. After a moment, she turned back to Akali, rushing over to her.
"AKALI!" she screamed, jumping over corpses until she finally crashed onto her knees by Akali's side.
"Are you okay? 'Kali, wake up, WAKE UP!" she shouted as her eyes scanned Akali for any injuries, but... She looked fine? It's like the blast had no effect. But she was not responding. Kai lifted Akali's head into her arms, cradling her, "Akali, please. Say something. Wake up..." she pleaded, her eyes welling with tears.
Moments later, she could see her shadow-form begin to fade, Akali's features and her guardian outfit returning to normal. She slowly opened her eyes, looking confused as she saw Kai's face and the tears forming in her eyes. "Ugh... Kai? Why..." she said softly, "Why are you crying?" she asked in a groggy voice, still trying to recover from the transformation.
Kai couldn't help but smile brightly, the tears breaking free from her eyes and streaking down her bloodstained cheeks, followed by a choked chuckle, "Are you okay?!" she asked, her voice shaking as the adrenaline was coursing through her body.
Akali nodded slowly, "Yeah... Kai... I'm okay. You don't need to worry so much." Akali answered, lifting her left hand towards Kai's face, trying to smear some of the purple blood from her cheek and one of her tears.
Kai shook her head, holding Akali even tighter now, "Don't just brush it off, Akali..." she bit down softly on her lower lip as it trembled, "I can't lose you again... I can't..." she choked out. Trying her best not to just break down in the middle of the field.
Akali's features were overcome with concern for a few moments before a subtle smile tugged at the corner of her mouth, "You're not going to lose me..." she answered, "Together Forever, remember?... So if you think you're gonna get rid of me this easily..." Akali said with a smirk, causing the two to let out a brief chuckle.
"Stop making me laugh. I'm trying to be angry at you!" Kai said in frustration, but she couldn't really be mad. She was far too relieved and happy to be angry.
She would then stand up, helping Akali up with her.
Akali brushed the grass off the back of her outfit, then looked around at all the creatures they had just fought, "What the hell are these things, Kai?" she questioned, letting out a grunt as she felt the sting from the cut across her shin return.
"I-I don't know... We should go warn the others. If there were this many, there would likely be many more." Kai answered as she looked back to Akali, "Your leg... You're not going to be able to walk like that." Kai'sa hurried over, trying to help her stand.
"I'm fine! Watch." Akali tried to put weight onto her leg but nearly fell over afterward, letting out a pained grunt, "Okay, maybe not!" Akali reached out to Kai, who then offered her back to Akali.
"Here... I'll carry you. You weigh like one hundred pounds." Kai said, trying to keep things lighthearted.
Akali didn't protest, wrapping her arms around Kai's shoulders, then her legs around her waist. Finally, Kai wrapped her arms beneath Akali's knees to hold her up on her back.
"Does this mean we're not gonna watch a movie tonight?" Akali asked in a defeated tone.
"We can do whatever you want when we get home, 'Kali..." she answered, carrying her towards the training ground. Akali leaned her head against Kai's shoulder.
"Thank you, Kai..." she answered, nuzzling her head into Kai's shoulder.
I love you, 'Kali
Were the words on Kai'Sa's mind. A truth that burned in her heart more than any other. The Only Truth that mattered.